Aeolian Skinner Organ Restoration at Christ Church in Short Hills

Rejoice in the Lord Restoring and Enhancing the Historic Skinner Organ at Christ Church in Short Hills

The Organ’s History

The Aeolian-Skinner Organ, Opus 1347, was originally installed in 1960. In 1967 a portion of the instrument was revoiced and some of the leather pouches have been replaced over the years. However, for the most part, the organ is in its original condition. The instrument has three manuals, 5 divisions, 55 ranks and 3178 pipes.

The Organ’s Special Role in Worship at Christ Church Aeolian Skinner organs have what one might call a uniquely American sound. Those that still exist are widely regarded as a national treasure. They have a lot in common with other fine works of art created by great craftsmen and artists. Preserving them is an honor as well as responsibility. We feel fortunate to have had our fine Skinner organ at the heart of Christ Church for over half a century now.

The unique sound of Skinner organs makes them popular in leading congregational singing and recital work which is why they were placed in some of the finest churches and schools in America, including Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York and the Groton School.

Every branch of the Christian Church is known for something. The Episcopal tradition is greatly appreciated for its liturgy and music. A fine organ is an integral part of Episcopal worship especially here in the historic heart of Short Hills. Building a new organ makes no more sense than building a new church. It is much more appropriate to preserve and restore.

About one quarter of our wonderful instrument is no longer functioning and additional parts will fail at an increasing rate. What needs to be replaced is an aging, even dangerous, electrical system, torn leather pouches that enable wind to rush into the pipes, some of the mechanical parts that have just worn out, plus the toll of dirt and grime over the years. Much of the instrument will be cleaned and re-used, including all of the pipes and the beautiful ivory keyboard. Yes, our talented organist can make even a partially functioning Aeolian Skinner sound good, but imagine what could be done with one when it is fully restored!

Restoring and Enhancing a Treasure Our hope is to have Emery Brothers of Allentown, Pennsylvania, the foremost expert of Skinner organs in the world restore the organ during the summer of 2014.

Cost of Restoration $600,000

Pledges can be paid over a three year period. You may want to pay for an aspect of the project.

The console $150,000

Pipes will be added in the rear of the church to support congregational singing

The Antiphonal Reeds $100,000 Restoring a Rank of Pipes $6,500 Restore a single pipe $100

Cotton and parafin wrapped electrical wires - a fire hazard

Ensure the Future of Music at Christ Church

Worn-out Leather

Funds to endow and enhance the music program of this parish will ensure that this vibrant ministry continues well into the future

Antiquated electrical stem will be replaced with solid state

Choirs at Christ Church St. Augustine said “singing is praying twice�. At Christ Church we know that music helps us recognize our connection with the Holy and with one another.

Singing in church with the support of our organ is a wonderful time to sing our prayers, and experience the loving community of Christ Church.

A Message from Dr. Andrew Moore Organist and Choir Master Dear People of Christ Church, There are many things that attracted me to Christ Church where I have served as your organist and choirmaster for the past three years. The people, the spirit of community, and the appreciation for the arts are just a few of the reasons that I call Christ Church my home. One of the greatest treasures of Christ Church is our Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ installed over 50 years ago.

It has an American classic design and sound that no other builder has ever been able to achieve. It can play the gamut of organ literature with ease, and it has served our congregation for every liturgy since it was dedicated on Easter Sunday of 1960. The organ is a work of art, and a joy to play. I truly feel that I have been called to serve in this place, and it is an honor and privilege to lead from the console each week.

As we go through this time of renewal at Christ Church, I ask that you consider supporting the restoration of the Christ Church Aeolian-Skinner organ.

With new technologies available to us the organ will be in “better than new” condition by the end of 2014.

Like our treasured buildings with their priceless windows, wood carvings, slate and stone, it is important that we are good stewards of all that has been left in our care. Composer John Rutter writes ,”As we are blessed so may our gift bless others.” May the organ continue to bless those who will follow us in praise and worship of our God and Savior.

Faithfully Yours, Andrew

Testimonies from Choir Members A Message from Betsy Peinado High school Junior

I began to sing in choir when I was about 6 years old. You really felt like you were apart of something. As I got older John Pivarnik invited me to sing in adult choir. Then Andrew came and took the music program to another level.

I’m not going to sugar coat it. Sometimes it drives me crazy that I’m always busy, and it’s really hard. It might look all clean and polished when I list that I went to Good Shepherd Home (in Cameroon this summer as a volunteer), do church choir, in addition to the absurd amount of activities I do in and outside of school, but really I’m not perfect. Anyone could decide to get involved in something extra if they wanted to. You just have to take a little step and see where it goes. This is a hard thing to say when you’re my age, because I feel like it’s cool to be cynical about religion when you’re a teenager, but I really do care about my faith.

A Message from Ruth Southwick Choir Member for 67 Years

Music has been one of the abiding passions of my life. As my father was a choir director in a Methodist church, I remember being in the choir by the age of five.

At first I sat with the senior choir until I officially joined the juniors. Later on, I turned pages for the organist, but was “fired” when I accidentally turned two pages at once.

We joined Christ Church when I was out of high school and I immediately joined the choir and have been part of it ever since. I even remember when our present organ was first installed, which was a marvelous moment for all of us. Since then I have sung with numerous organists, but have rarely been as inspired as I am by Dr. Moore.

Few things in my life compare to the exhilaration I feel when singing in church. I feel uplifted by the music, my sense of worship is deepened and I feel closer to all that is Holy. I am truly grateful for the numerous spiritual gifts this choir offers me.